UPDATE 1-Convergys Q1 profit beats estimates, backs FY view

April 28 (Reuters) - Call center operator Convergys Corp (CVG.N) posted a better-than-expected quarterly profit as its customer management segment grew, helped by its Intervoice acquisition, and stood by its outlook for 2009.

However, operating improvements at its largest customer management segment were more than offset by a fall in operating income at its billing and HR outsourcing units, the company said.

First-quarter net income fell to $28 million, or 23 cents a share, from $35.9 million, or 28 cents a share, a year ago. Revenue fell 3 percent to $695 million. Analysts on average had expected a profit of 21 cents per share, on revenue of $695.7 million, according to Reuters Estimates.

The customer management drove better year-over-year and sequential profitability and the company continues to sign new business, although it is seeing some softness in call volumes, Chief Executive David Dougherty said in a statement.

The company expects the economic environment throughout 2009 to be generally consistent with current conditions and said it continues to expect a full-year profit of 90 cents to $1.10 a share.

Shares of the Cincinnati, Ohio-based company closed at $9.67 Monday on the New York Stock Exchange. (Reporting by Savio D'Souza in Bangalore; Editing by Gopakumar Warrier)